June 3, 1960 – Nov. 17, 2011

Susan Jean (Goddard) Van Buskirk passed away peacefully on November 17, 2011, with her family at her side. She was 51.

A celebration of Susans life will be held Saturday, November 26, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., at Eastmont Church, 62425 Eagle Road in Bend, Oregon. A public viewing will be 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. A luncheon reception will immediately follow the service. A committal service with military honors will take place at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland at a later date. Those who have been touched by this bright light are invited to attend.

Susan was born June 3, 1960, in Portland, Oregon, the daughter of Charles ”Winn” and Marianne (Almquist) Goddard. She attended David Douglas High School where she thrived in music and theater. She attended Biola University, before joining the U.S. Navy. During her 20 years in the Navy, Susan rose to the rank of Petty Officer First Class (SK1) and received numerous commendations and awards. She also visited 31 countries and she met her husband, Nathan Van Buskirk, also a sailor. They were married October 12, 1991.

Most important to Susan were her faith in Jesus Christ, family and friends. Susan loved creating ways for people to connect and feel special. In grade school she organized a carnival for Muscular Dystrophy, an early sign of her organizational skills and big heart. Her work in Bend with developmentally disabled adults reflected the cheerful and thoughtful way she approached everyone.

Susan was always an active church member, most recently at Eastmont Church in Bend where she sang in the choir. She was a life-long singer. She also enjoyed spending winters in the home she and Nathan built in Spring Valley, Arizona.

Susan is survived by her husband, Nathan Van Buskirk and her parents, Winn and Marianne Goddard all of Bend, OR. Other survivors include her sisters, Marilyn (husband, Stan) Rowland of Bend, OR, and Shari (Ben) Shambaugh of Maine; her brothers, Paul (Ruth) Goddard of Everett, WA, and Jeff (Rhonda) Goddard of Redland, OR; her step-son Nathan (Lynn) Van Buskirk and granddaughter Rhyanne; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, David Goddard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Partners In Care Hospice, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, OR 97701 www.partnersbend.org or the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.

Baird Funeral Home of Bend is responsible for the arrangements, (541) 382-0903, www.bairdmortuaries.com.

Susan Van Buskirk